FREQUENTLY ASKED APPLICATION AND ADMINISTRATION QUESTIONS

Transcription

1 FREQUENTLY ASKED APPLICATION AND ADMINISTRATION QUESTIONS How do I apply to take my exams? Candidates may apply for their exam online at and pay the exam fee with a credit card or they may submit a paper application along with a money order. If you graduated from a school and you apply online, your school will approve your online application in our School Portal. If you prefer to submit a paper application and you graduated from a school in the state that where you are going to test, then you must obtain an exam application from your school. Paper exam applications for Apprentice, Out of State, Reinstate, and Retake may be obtained on our website at under the state you are obtaining your license in. Information on applying for an exam may also be obtained in the eligibility section of the Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) on our website. Please refer to page 1 of the CIB for information for your state s requirements. When should I send in my application and exam fee and how do I send it for overnight delivery? Applications must be received and be complete with all required information and be approved by the exam deadline date to be scheduled for the requested exam week. Overnight delivery of paper exam applications must be sent to our street address as indicated on the back of the application. Keep in mind that the postal service does not always deliver letters overnight and may cause you to miss the deadline date. When will I receive my admission letter for my exam? Exams are scheduled and admission letters are mailed to the address that you provide on the exam application after the exam deadline date. The admission letter confirms the scheduled exam(s). It also includes the date, time, location and directions for your exam(s). Maine and West Virginia written and state law exams are administered via paper and pencil on the same day as your practical exam. Idaho, New Hampshire and North Carolina admission letters will only include the scheduled practical exam. If you have not received your admission letter in the mail prior to the requested exam week, it is your responsibility to contact our office. o When will I receive my pre-registration registration letter for my computerized written exam? Computerized written exams for Idaho, New Hampshire, and North Carolina are administered at Iso-Quality Testing (IQT). Pre-registration information is ed or mailed to all candidates once approved. This pre-registration includes instructions for scheduling your computerized written exam at a location that is convenient for you.

2 FREQUENTLY ASKED APPLICATION AND ADMINISTRATION QUESTIONS CONTINUED What if my paperwork is not received until after the exam deadline date? Applications received after the deadline date will be scheduled based on space availability. If a candidate missed the deadline date and the requested exam week is full, they will be scheduled for the next available exam week. What if I do not pass my exam or I do not attend my scheduled exam (no show)? How do I apply to retake or be rescheduled to take the exam and do I have to pay another exam fee? Candidates will receive a rescheduling application with their result letter or their no show letter or they may print one from our website. Exam fees are indicated on the rescheduling application. Candidates may also re-apply online at Please make sure to click the retake or no show button so the online application transfers to our system as it does not need to be re-approved by your school in the School Portal. If I fail my exam, will my result letter tell me the tasks that I missed? Please refer to the scoring section of the Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) for the specific information for your state. All tasks that are evaluated are listed in the CIB. NIC does not permit us to release the specific tasks that a candidate missed. The purpose of a licensure exam is to ensure that individuals are minimally competent and safe to perform services independently on the public. Informing candidates of the specific tasks missed would teach them for the test and would not ensure that the individual is minimally competent and safe to perform services on the public. How do I apply for accommodations for a disability? Candidates that have a disability and require accommodations may request the required forms from their school or contact D.L. Roope Administrations Inc. All requests for accommodations must be submitted with the application by the deadline date for review. What does the abbreviation NIC stand for and who is NIC? NIC is the abbreviation for the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology Inc. (NIC). NIC is the owner and developer of the national written & practical exams. Are the NIC exams offered in other languages? NIC offers the written exams in other languages as mandated by State legislation. Please refer to your state s requirements. Many states do not offer alternate languages because the students are learning in English. The pass rate on foreign language exams is very low. All NIC practical exams are administered in English.

3 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR ALL NIC EXAMINATIONS E CONTINUED How should I prepare to take the exam(s)? CIBs contain all tasks that are evaluated on the practical exams, the verbal instructions and suggested supply list. The CIBs also contain specific information for your state that outlines your state s requirements. The written CIBs contain an outline of content areas and sample questions. All written CIBs list the referenced textbooks for each exam. You may download the CIBs from our web site at Can all implements be disinfected and reused? Implements that are porous cannot be disinfected and must be discarded. It must be a solid implement to be disinfected. (e.g. cushion files and orangewood sticks cannot be disinfected) Does my kit need to have a cover and does it have to be kept closed during the exam? Implements and supplies must be in a closed container. Kits must be kept closed at the exam site except when removing supplies. Can I take items out of my kit at any time during the exam or only during the set up times and can I return items to my kit during the exam? You can remove items from your kit at any time during the examination but items should not be returned to the kit at any time during the exam. What if I have an emergency during the practical exam? Candidates may ask to speak with the supervisor if they are experiencing an emergency situation. A problem with the kit is not an emergency situation, candidates should do the best they can with what they have available. What if I need to use the restroom during the practical exam? Candidates may raise their hand and ask the supervisor to be excused to use the restroom. They will sign out to the restroom and sign back in, the exams will continue and they will not be permitted extra time. What if I forgot to pack something that I need for the practical exam? In the event that a candidate forgets an item or implement or something breaks, they should do the best they can do with what they have available. Candidates should continue and perform as many tasks as they are able. Can I use aerosol products during the practical exam? Candidates are not permitted to use aerosol products at any time during the exams. Does NIC grade technique? NIC does not evaluate technique. The only tasks that are evaluated are the tasks that are listed in the CIB.

4 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR ALL NIC EXAMINATIONS E CONTINUED What if I drop an implement on the floor during the exam? If a candidate drops an implement they must pick it up, place it in an appropriate receptacle and sanitize their hands before proceeding with the service. Do I need to sanitize my hands after touching the trash bag? If a candidate contaminates their hands, they must sanitize before proceeding to touch supplies or before they continue performing services. What should I do if I drop mock product on the floor or my work area? If a candidate drops mock product on the floor or work area they must immediately clean it up, sanitize their hands and then proceed with the service. Do I need to recap all bottles and jars during the exam? All bottles and jars must be capped when not in use. Can I return unused product back into the container? Candidates cannot dip fingers, double dip or return unused product back into any containers. Can I wait until the end of the service to discard soiled materials and implements? Soiled materials or implements should be discarded immediately and not left on the station. Do all of my bottles and jars need to be labeled in English? All bottles and jars must be labeled in English. Please refer to the CIB for complete information. What should s I do if I cut myself during the exam? Candidates are expected to follow the NIC Health and Safety Standards, Blood Exposure Procedure, failure to do so may result in their dismissal from the exam. Please refer to the NIC Health and Safety Standards and Blood Exposure Procedure as outlined in the practical CIB. I took my exam and I noticed that other candidates were performing services differently than I was taught? Candidates should perform all tasks as they were taught and not be concerned with how other candidates are performing services as candidates have no way to know how other candidates are being scored. Do I need to make sure that the examiner sees each task that I perform? The examiners are trained to observe all tasks that are listed in the CIB. The examiners are evaluating the candidates at all times even when the candidate may not be aware that they are being evaluated.

5 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR ALL NIC EXAMINATIONS E CONTINUED Why does NIC require the disinfectant and hand sanitizer to have the manufacturer s label and how do I know if the disinfectant is a hospital grade disinfectant? Manufacturer s labels are required to ensure that candidates are properly disinfecting the work area with a hospital grade disinfectant to protect themselves, other candidates and the examiners during the exams. Candidates may have a photocopy of the label taped to the bottle as many schools purchase the disinfectant in bulk. It must state that it demonstrates the following properties: Bactericidal, fungicidal and virucidal properties. Disinfectants that list these properties are considered to be a Hospital Grade Disinfectant. Many products are marketed and labeled as being a Disinfectant but is not hospital grade as required by NIC. Schools that use bulk products may photocopy the manufacturer s label and apply it to the spray bottle. Hospital grade disinfecting wipes may also be purchased in bulk and broken down into individual ziplock baggies, please photocopy and attach a copy of the manufacturers label. Hand sanitizers MUST also have the manufacturer s label but it does not have to state the properties listed above under disinfectants as the hand sanitizer only sanitizes.

6 NATURAL HAIR STYLING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Am I required to use a mannequin for the practical exam? You are required to use a mannequin for the practical exam. All services may be demonstrated on the mannequin. You should use a mannequin stand or foam pillow to elevate the mannequin for the examiners to observe all tasks in the exam. Do I use a mannequin or do I bring a model for the Natural Hair Styling practical exam? Each state determines if a mannequin or a model will be used for the practical exam. All services in the Barber Styling exam may be performed on a mannequin if permitted in your state. Please refer to the CIB for your state regarding their requirements. Can I drape during Set Up and Client Protection? Yes, candidates may set up the general supplies and perform client protection during the set up and client protection section of the exam. You must maintain your drape throughout the exam in a safe and sanitary manner. It is helpful to use a towel under the drape instead of a neck strip because it will stay in place better. Candidates may use one cape throughout the entire exam. If the cape slides down, it must be re-applied. Candidates may use a plastic or fabric cape throughout but cannot use a comb out cape as it doesn t provide adequate protection for all services in the exam. Child size capes are appropriate for use on a mannequin. Why is it important to analyze the scalp and hair before performing the service? Analyzing the scalp and hair is critical to ensure that it is in a healthy condition and free of any diseases or disorders prior to performing any service on the hair. Am I required to use rubber bands to secure the hair ends on the braids? Candidates may use any method they prefer to secure the hair ends on the braid, rubber bands may be used but are not required. All tasks that are evaluated are listed in the CIB. NIC does not evaluate technique. How will I know when to remove the braid? Once the examiner has evaluated the finished braid, they will instruct each candidate to please demonstrate removing the braid. Is there a required method for removing the braid? Braid removal must start at the end of the braid and work toward the scalp by any method as determined by the candidate. Am I required to demonstrate a particular type of stitch when sewing the weft to the cornrow track? Candidates may choose the type of stitch to use to secure the weft to the cornrow track. The weft must be sewn on safely to avoid damage to the hair or scalp.

7 NATURAL HAIR STYLING SPECIALIST INFORMATION CONTINUED When demonstrating the extension to braid sections of the exam, am I suppose to demonstrate a French braid or can I add the extension hair to a single braid? Candidates may choose to add the extension hair to a single braid or to a French braid Does NIC specify how long the extensions must be when completed? Candidates must extend the length of the hair with extension hair but the extended length is not evaluated. Do I need to recap all bottles and jars during the exam? Candidates must keep all bottles and jars capped when not in use. The glue must be re-capped when not in use. Milady has graciously authorized us to provide the following information from their textbooks. You may contact Milady directly for information regarding their textbooks as follows: Milady's Standard Textbook of Cosmetology 5 Maxwell Drive Clifton Park, NY (800) BRAIDING AND EXTENSIONS "From its origins in Africa to its widespread use today, hair braiding has always played a significant role in grooming and a person's braiding went beyond mere appearance or fashion. Different styles of braiding signified a person's social status within the community. The more important a person was, the more elaborate his or her braiding would be. Today, braiding styles continue to communicate important signals about a person's self-esteem and self-image." "Braiding salons have sprung up in many areas in the United States. These salons practice what is commonly known as natural hairstyling, which uses o chemicals or dyes, and does not alter the natural curl or coil pattern of the hair. While the origins of natural hairstyling are rooted in African-American heritage, people of all ethnicities appreciate its beauty and versatility. In the twenty-first century, natural hairstyling has brought a diverse approach to hair care."

8 NATURAL HAIR STYLING SPECIALIST INFORMATION ON CONTINUED UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS "Before exploring the various braiding techniques, it is important to have a good grasp of braiding basics. During the consultation, you will be analyzing the condition of your client's hair and scalp, paying particular attention to the hair's texture." "Hair Analysis: In braiding and other natural hairstyling, texture refers to the following three qualities. Diameter of the hair. Is the hair coarse, medium, or fine? Feel. Does the hair feel oily, dry, hard, soft, smooth, coarse, or wiry? Wave pattern or coil configuration. Is the hair straight, wavy, curly, or coiled? A coil is a very tight curl. It is spiral in formation and, when lengthened or stretched, resembles a series of loops. For the purposes of this chapter, the term textured hair refers to hair with a tight coil pattern. In addition to texture, consider the following: Density. Look for areas where the hair is thin. Condition. Check for damage and breakage from previous braids or chemical services. Length. Make sure that the hair is physically long enough to execute the braiding style. Scalp health. Check the condition of the scalp to ensure that it is healthy and properly cared for. Carefully checking the hair and scalp is essential for a good outcome. If the hair has extremely thin areas, for instance, the braid thickness will be noticeably different in these areas. In addition, damaged hair should not be braided since it will further stress the hair. Because everyone has thinner, finer hair around the hairline, you should never choose styles that place excessive tension in this area." BRAIDING THE HAIR The following description for visible (underhand braids) and invisible (overhand braids) is in Milady's textbooks. This is only part of the information in their textbooks: "Braiding styles can be broadly classified as visible and invisible. A visible braid is a three-strand braid that is created with an underhand technique. An underhand technique, also known as plaiting, is one in which the left section goes under the middle strand, then the right section goes under the middle strand. This technique is often used for cornrowing because many braiders believe it creates less tangling." "An invisible braid also known as an inverted braid or French braid, is a three-strand braid that is produced with an overhand technique. In an overhand technique, the first side section goes over the middle one, then the other side section goes over the middle strand. You can start with either the right or left section; what is key is that the side sections go over the middle section. "The invisible braid uses an overhand pick-up technique. It can be done on or off the scalp, with or without extensions."

9 NATURAL HAIR STYLING SPECIALIST INFORMATION ON CONTINUED Invisible Braid Procedure: "Take a triangular section of hair and place it in your left hand. Divide the section into three equal strands, two in your left hand, and one in your right hand. Place your fingers close to the scalp for a tight stitch. For a looser stitch, move away from the scalp. Cross the right strand over the center strand. The right strand is now the new center. Cross the left strand over the center section and place it in your right hand. Place all three strands in your left hand with your fingers separating the strands. With your right hand, pick up a 1- inch x 1-inch section of hair on the right side. Add to strand in your left hand. Take the combined strands in your right hand and cross them over the center stand. Place all the strands in your right hand. With our left hand, pick up a 1-inch section on the left side. Add this section to the left outer strand in your right hand. Take the combined strands and cross them over the center strand. Place all three sections in your left hand, pick up the right side, and add to the outer strand. Remember that the outer strands are added to and then crossed over the center. Continue these movements until the braid is complete." Complete instructions and illustrations for the visible (underhand) and invisible (overhand) braid are in Milady's textbooks. There is also information in Milady's textbooks for basic cornrows, which would be a visible (underhand) braid. This is only part of the information in their textbooks as follows: Cornrows "Cornrows, also know as canerows, are narrow rows of visible braids that lie close to the scalp and are created with a three-strand, on-the-scalp braiding technique. Consistent and even partings are the foundation of beautiful cornrows." "To create a panel, start by taking two even partings to form a neat row for the cornrow base. With a tail comb, part the hair into a panel, using butterfly clips to keep the other hair pinned to either side." "Divide the panel into three even strands. To ensure consistency throughout the braid, make sure the strands are the same size. Place your fingers close to the base. Cross the left strand under the center strand." "Cross the right strand under the center strand. Passing the outer strands under the center strand this way creates the underhand cornrow braid." "With each crossing under, or revolution, pick up from the base of the panel a new strand of equal size and add it to the outer strand before crossing it under the center strand."

10 NATURAL HAIR STYLING SPECIALIST INFORMATION CONTINUED "As new strands are added, the braid will become fuller. Braid to the end." Cornrows or individual braids with Extensions (Feed-in Method) "Extensions can be applied to cornrows or individual braids with the feed-in method. In this method, the braid is built up strand by strand. Excess amounts of extension material can place too much weight on the fragile areas of the hairline and will tighten and pull the hair to leave an unrealistic finished look. By properly applying the correct tension when using the feed-in method, the braid stylist can avoid an artificial look and prevent breakage. HAIR EXTENSIONS The following description for hair extensions is in Milady's textbooks. This is only part of the information in their textbooks: "Hair extensions are hair additions that are secured to the base of the client's natural hair in order to add length, volume, texture, or color. Extensions offer a greater blending of real and artificial hair than hairpieces. Extensions are also left in the hair for much longer periods and are not removed at nighttime. They are an increasingly popular salon service, not only for clients who are looking for something "different" but also for those suffering from hair loss." "In the track and sew method, hair extensions are secured at the base of the client's own hair by sewing. The hair is attached to an on-the-scalp braid or cornrow, which serves as the track." "When sewing the extension onto a track, use only a blunt, custom-designed needle, either straight or curved. These blunt ends will help avoid damage to the hair and will protect you and the client as well. Extensions can be sewn to the track using a variety of stitches. The following description for braids with extensions is in Milady's textbooks. This is only part of the information in their textbooks: "Extensions can be applied to cornrows or individual braids with the feed-in method. In this method, the braid is built up strand by strand."

11 NATURAL HAIR STYLING SPECIALIST ST INFORMATION CONTINUED NUED Procedure: "Using vertical parts to separate the base into subsections, create a diamond-shaped base." "Select the appropriate amount of extension fibers. It should always be proportional to the section to which it is being applied. For tapered ends, gently pull the extension fibers at both sides so that the ends are uneven. Then fold the fibers in half." "Divide the natural hair into three equal sections. Place the folded extension on top of the natural hair, on the outside and center portions of the braid." "Once the extension is in place, begin the braiding movement." "As you move down the braid, keep your fingers close to the stitch, so that the braid remains tight and straight." "Braid to the desired length."